Course Description

LAW 431 - Immigration Law and Practice

This course, which is open to students who are currently enrolled in Immigration Law or who have taken Immigration Law (or a comparable course) in a prior semester, is focused on providing a more practical approach to practicing immigration law. We will meet every Wednesday, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Overall, the emphasis of the course is not on duplicating the substantive coverage in Immigration Law, but rather on examining how key topics arise in immigration court. Thus, students will be expected to observe various immigration court proceedings in downtown Los Angeles, become familiar with the rules governing court filings, and prepare or draft pleadings, motions, bond requests, short briefs and orders based on assigned documents and readings. The course materials will consist of redacted documents (or composite adaptations) from “real” cases, as well some cases, statutes, and agency materials.

Class sessions will generally consist of both lecture and in-class exercises simulating the immigration court experience. Students should come away from the course with a sound basis for practicing immigration law in an immigration court setting.

The grading for the course will consist of a pass/no pass evaluation based on class participation and weekly homework assignments. There will be no final examination. More than one unexcused absence from class will result in having to drop the course or receiving a failing grade.

Course Specific Learning Outcomes

Students should come away from the course with a sound basis on how to conduct themselves in a courtroom setting, how to properly prepare for an immigration court hearing, and how to take into consideration the practical impact of immigration law on their client.